Fourth of July Fireworks - Fireworks Spectators Prep for Holiday

More than 50,000 people are expected to make their way out to Ala Moana Beach Park Friday.

Some of those spectators are already there; meanwhile undercover police officers are working to ensure everyone’s safety and security.

It’s that time of year again for some families that means breaking a little sweat to enjoy the big show.

“Ooo hard man,” Honolulu resident Mildred Pacleb said as she pounds a stake into the ground.

It’s become a tradition for some and people come from all over the island.

“Some come from Waipahu, Pearl City," Pacleb said.

Pacleb is expecting 60 of her family and friends to make their way over to Ala Moana Beach Park to enjoy the fireworks show.

“Tonight what it’s about 10 o’clock? Yeah they got to be out so I don't know where I am going to put them,” Pacleb said.

Campers will be allowed to stay over night, but no cars after 10 p.m., then the gates will reopen at 4 a.m.

“Either they going to go home or drop somebody home, yeah most likely its going to be that way,” Pacleb said.

Police officers dressed in plain clothes have been combing the area enforcing the no alcohol and no pet’s policy.

“You know keep the park safe you know they said they no like the park get out of hand and gotta respect that,” Kalihi resident Lawrence Bucsit said.

Friends dropped some beer off and...

“They confiscated it, nope no alcohol all sodas and juice and water,” Bucsit said.

For others the celebration began one day early.

“Well tomorrow’s my birthday so I came tonight to get started,” Kalihi resident Jackie Tovey said.

Aloha Tower got things started around 5 in the evening with a highly anticipated finale.

“Fireworks ha ha,” New Jersey visitor Leila Cheo-Isaacs said.



East honolulu fireworks show brings community together

The fireworks show at Ala Moana Shopping Center is one of the most popular. But there's another one starting for those on the east side of Oahu.

And this party has a purpose.

Residents in Hawaii Kai join together to start Independence Day at Maunalua Bay. It's for celebrating the Fourth, but it's also meant to unite, and to educate.

Organizers get the final touches ready for the big party.

Independence Day at Maunalua Bay is an idea born about a year ago, giving East Honolulu residents a celebration of their own.

"Just to provide an event, an alternative to all the other crowded events that are wonderful all over the island," said organizer John Tilton. "But an event that actually represents Hawaii Kai, in the heart of Hawaii Kai and the people."

"I can tell you that none of us knew one another when we started," said Cha Thompson. "Today, we're leaving a legacy of friends."

Rhe group came together, recruiting vendors for food and entertainment. But this celebration also serves as an educational experience.

"One of our other goals was to increase awareness, for those of us who live in Hawaii Kai, on what this area is really about," said Linda Char. "What historically this area holds for the people that live here."

Part of the proceeds are going towards a scholarship for students from the area, who want to continue to raise awareness of what Maunalua Bay means to Hawaii Kai.

"So looking at it right now, it's rather exciting," said Tilton. "Beautiful weather, and everything's turning out better than expected. so we're blessed for that."

"We're really just hoping that people come down, have a wonderful time, being with their family," said Char.

Henry Kapono and Afatia are among the entertainers scheduled to perform. The fireworks show is scheduled for 8 P.M.